MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — Two Mobile County Public Schools teachers were recognized among the nation’s top math and science teachers by the White House and the National Science Foundation this week. Both are teachers at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies in downtown Mobile.
The recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are: Nicole Bolton, who teaches computer science and STEM, and David Dai, who teaches accelerated math and geometry.
Each year, Alabama selects up to three math and science teachers as PAEMST finalists. Bolton and Dai advanced from state finalists in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and were named national winners this week. They will each receive a certificate signed by President Biden and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They will travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony this spring.
Meanwhile, a third MCPSS teacher has been named a 2024 PAEMST finalist – Eichold-Mertz School of Math and Science teacher Maegan Gayle.
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators, according to the White House. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels select the winners based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
“This is an incredible honor, not just for these outstanding teachers, but for Mobile County Public Schools as a whole,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “Nicole Bolton and David Dai represent the highest standards of excellence in STEM education, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication to their students, their school, and their profession. We are also proud of Maegan Gayle for being named a finalist, further showcasing the talent and commitment of our teachers. These awards highlight the innovation happening in our classrooms every day, as we are growing greatness throughout MCPSS.”
Barton Academy Principal Dr. Amanda Jones added: “I’m excited that our students have the opportunity to learn from these dynamic educators every day. Ms. Bolton and Mr. Dai put students first. They’re also not afraid to embrace change and to teach in innovative ways that really grasp our students’ attention. To see their hard work recognized at the national level is such an honor – not just for them, but for all of us at Barton Academy.”
Nicole Bolton, who has taught at MCPSS for more than 22 years, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational media and technology from the University of South Alabama, and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Alabama. She previously taught at Griggs Elementary and Florence Howard Elementary.
Bolton was awarded a Barringer Fellow at Monticello and is an alumnus of the George Washington Teacher Institute and the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute. She also received the Pathfinders Institute Scholarship in 2018 and 2020 for coding and robotics. She is an alumnus of the Teacher Space Academy and recently served as a teacher mentor at Teacher Space Academy. She is Barton Academy’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
David Dai, a graduate of Alma Bryant High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in statistics, a master’s degree in secondary math education, and a math educational specialist degree from the University of Alabama. Dai is a National Board Certified Teacher and is in his eighth year as an educator. He is a Board Member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and a University of Alabama Master Teacher Fellow in the A-PLUS program.
Dai’s honors and awards include Mobile County Public School System High School Teacher of the Year; Alabama District 1 Secondary Teacher of the Year; Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year; Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year; Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year; Extra Yard for Teachers Award Recipient; WKRG Golden Apple Recipient; and the University of Alabama Top Alumni Under 40 Award Recipient.
Maegan Gayle was named Alabama’s Science Teacher of the Year in 2024 and Mobile County’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2023. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who taught at Hutchens Elementary before coming to Eichold-Mertz. She is LETRS and Nearpod certified and has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.
This post was originally published on here
